LIZ CARR, 49, is a British actress, comedian, and international disability rights activist who has been confined to a wheelchair owing to a physical ailment since the age of seven.
Arthrogryposis multiplex congenital, or AMC, is a broad word that encompasses over 300 disorders. The unusual condition is characterized by crooked joints that appear in the body from birth.
Who is Liz Carr?
Liz Carr is best known for her eight-year stint on the television show Silent Witness.
She is a well-known international disability rights campaigner who has spoken openly about her illness.
What is arthrogryposis multiplex congenital?
Arthrogryposis multiplex congenital (AMC) is a rare disease in newborns resulting in decreased flexibility of the joints.
Symptoms differ from person to person, but can include lack of movement in the below:
- Shoulders
- Elbows
- Wrists
- Hands
- Hips
- Knees
- Feet
The lack of movement does not get worse over time – but treatment is needed to prevent further impairments of the joints.
There is no single cause for AMC, one known factor is “fetal akinesia” – which is decreased fetal movement in utero.
Amyoplasia, the most common form of the condition, occurs in 1 in every 10,000 live births.
While the condition is not classed as genetic, the parents of a baby suffering from amyoplasia are advised to seek medical advice as they approach childhood
How is the condition treated?
When it comes to treatment of AMC, there are various options, depending on the severity of the condition, including:
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
- Tendon transfers
- Occupational therapy
- Splints and casts
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